Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Former judge hired to complete ASADA AFL and NRL investigations

Former judge hired to complete ASADA AFL and NRL investigations
February 3, 2014

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has hired former federal court judge Garry Downes to help conclude up its long-running investigations into the AFL and NRL.

Just days short of the one year anniversary of the Australian Crime Commission's 'Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport' and the start of ASADA's investigations, Federal Sport Minister Peter Dutton announced extra funding to ASADA for the appointment.

Minister Dutton, said Downes would review ASADA's investigations and report back by the end of April.

However, there was still no indication when the doping inquiries, which threaten to mar both codes for a second season, would be finalised.

In a statement, Minister Dutton explained "ASADA's investigative process has been ongoing for nearly a year and is of unprecedented complexity.

"In light of this, it is appropriate that a suitably qualified person be engaged to assist Asada as the investigations approach conclusion.

"The review process will assist ASADA in finalising its investigations, but does not in itself guarantee finalisation on a fixed date."

NRL club Cronulla and AFL club Essendon have been at the centre of the ASADA investigations, with both reprimanded by their leagues for mismanagement of their team supplements programs.

Acting on an interim ASADA report, the AFL last year charged the Bombers with bringing the game into disrepute, disqualifying them from the 2013 finals and fining them $2 million.

It also suspended Bombers coach James Hird for a year, banned football operations boss Danny Corcoran for six months, fined Hird's coaching assistant Mark Thomson $30,000 and penalised the club top draft picks for two seasons.

The NRL took longer to censure the Sharks, but in December it fined them $1 million, handed coach Shane Flanagan a provisional one-year suspension and proposed former trainer Trent Elkin be deregistered for two years.

The club, as well as Flanagan and Elkin, submitted their responses to the NRL's breach notices last Wednesday and are believed to be appealing against the sanctions.

Players from both codes may still face suspensions when ASADA makes its final rulings.

20th September 2013 - ASADA TO SANCTION ESSENDON AFL PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS

7th February 2013 - DRUGS AND CRIME REPORT ROCKS AUSTRALIAN SPORT


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

SWIMPLEX AQUATICS

Swimplex Aquatics are a world-class company dedicated to the commercial pool, waterslide industry. We are Australian market leaders servicing all states Australia wide. Swimplex provide a full…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Design / Play / Waterparks

 
 

The P.A. People

The P.A. People is a specialist integrator and contractor in sound reinforcement, audio visual systems, performance lighting and production communications. Over its almost 50 year history the company…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

AAC

Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…

read more

Access / Marketing / Safety / Ticketing

 
 

HIDROPLAY

Hidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Recreation

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Abel Sports

INTRODUCTION Abel Sports is Australia’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of Goal Posts, sports ground safety netting systems and coaches boxes for Stadiums ,Sports Clubs, Councils and…

read more

Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business